Performance of a NiO-based oxygen carrier for chemical looping combustion and reforming in a 120 kW unit

In this study the performance of two different Ni-based oxygen carriers in a 120kW chemical looping pilot rig at Vienna University of Technology is presented. A dual circulating fluidized bed (DCFB) system has been designed with the important characteristics of high solid circulation, very low residence times and a high power to solid inventory ratio. For all presented results the pilot rig is fueled with methane at 140kW fuel power. For both oxygen carriers high CH4 conversion and CO2 yield is achieved. Air to fuel ratio and temperature are varied. CH4 conversion at higher air to fuel ratio as well as at higher temperature seems to decrease. This phenomenon is linked to the Ni/NiO ratio of the particle which determines the catalytic activity and thus influences the CH4 conversion and the CO2 yield.